Depth of optimism for Christopher Newport

The Captains, coming off an 18-9 season and a loss to Averett in the USA South championship game, have 16 players, including three returning starters and several other players with significant game experience.

"The thing I think we have over past years is we're really deep at every position, and that's a real plus," Woollum said.

Gone is longtime starting point guard Davon Barton, third on the school's all-time assist list, and forward Thomas Whinnett. But back is leading scorer Michael Green (14.4 points per game) and center Mark Blasingame, who averaged a double-double (11.7 points, 9.9 rebounds) as a junior.

"He's in probably the best shape he's been in," Woollum said. "He's being the dominating figure we want him to be."

Taking Barton's place at the point will be junior Paul Going, who averaged 9.5 minutes a game and had 37 assists last season.

"He's a very heady player and we have a lot of confidence in him," Woollum said. "It's a situation where he's going to get better and better the more experience he gets."

Also back are Theo Baker (10.5 ppg) and Denbigh High product Brian Hermann (7 ppg). Guard Conley Taylor, a Menchville graduate who averaged almost 13 points in 2007-08 before sitting out last year because of academics, returns, as does senior forward Kenny Reid, who missed last season with a knee injury.

The Captains, who came within that loss in the tournament final of the NCAA Division III tournament, also have added several transfers, including center Matt Preston from USC Upstate and forward Jake Capin, a Gloucester High product and Campbell transfer.

"We've got a big group that's very competitive at practice," Woollum said. "We've got a lot of different ways we can turn with this team."